Saudi Arabian football authorities promised to take action and Cristiano Ronaldo called for life bans after rival fans taunted Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves about the death of Diogo Jota, his friend and former Portugal team-mate.

Footage filmed from the stands during the match and circulated on social media appeared to show supporters chanting 'Jota'. The shouts attracted the attention of Neves, who pointed to his eye and then up to the sky in response.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has continued to rewrite the record books well into his forties, and the prospect of becoming the first player to score 1,000 competitive senior goals is now firmly within sight.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed Ollie Watkins' impending departure and revealed the striker had apologised for making himself unavailable for the club's Premier League opener, saying he became emotional as he said goodbye to Villa's record scorer in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening as Al-Nassr surrendered a two-goal lead before being hauled off at half-time, only to produce a remarkable comeback and beat Al-Ettifaq 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally did it.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday, ending his long wait for domestic silverware.

Goalkeeper Bento's injury-time own goal denied Cristiano Ronaldo his first Saudi Pro League title on Tuesday as Al Nassr drew 1-1 with second-placed Al Hilal.

Al Nassr fans showed their support for Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday as the Portuguese star missed a second straight game after reportedly growing frustrated over transfers.

Striker Karim Benzema, who is at odds with his club Al-Ittihad, has entered into negotiations to join rivals Al-Hilal, the Saudi Arabian league leaders, a source told AFP on Monday.

Ivan Toney scored twice and provided one assist as Al-Ahli handed Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr their first Saudi Pro League defeat of the season with a 3-2 victory on Friday.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is not a good fit for the Saudi Pro League and clubs should target younger players like Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg said on Wednesday.

Mohamed Salah reported for Liverpool training on Tuesday as doubts continued to grow about the star striker's future at the Premier League champions.

Ruben Amorim has told Manchester United to "focus on the future" following former Old Trafford star Cristiano Ronaldo's withering assessment of his old club.

Goals from Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo spurred Al-Nassr to a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, lifting the Riyadh club three points clear of the champions on top of the standings.

France winger Kingsley Coman said goodbye to teammates at Bayern Munich as he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on Friday.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi club Al Hilal, which could allow the Premier League champions to make a fresh bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal bowed out of the Club World Cup on Friday, after a 2-1 defeat to Fluminense, but after an unexpected run to the last eight they have left their mark on the global stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League side announced on Thursday, which will keep the Portuguese forward at the club well past his 42nd birthday.